Automobiles Review

Author: Georgi Boychev

  • Unique Bentley Cars Will be Demonstrated at 2015 Concours of Elegance

    Bentley2015 Concours of Elegance will take place at Scotland’s Palace of Holyroodhouse. And this year’s event will demonstrate numerous interesting vehicles, some of which are famous Bentley vehicles. To be more precise, the Bentley vehicles are six, ranging from the 1927 6 ½-Liter Vander Plas tourer to the 1960 S2 Continental with H.J. Mulliner Fastback coachwork. So, let’s check out what is going on here.

    And the other Bentley models on display include the well-known “Blue Train” Speed Six, the Team Blower, a special 1930 8-Liter, 1937 4 ¼-Liter Vanden Plas tourer and a 1952 R-Type Continental. This show will surely become a Heaven for all the Bentley lovers out there.

    SEE ALSO: Bentley “Blue Train” Will Come With Limited Edition

    In fact, as a official partner of the Concours of Elegance, Bentley will receive and a sort of a special gift: Sunday, 6 September will be called “Bentley Sunday” and will be dedicated to all the Bentley models in attendance. There will also an award, named “A Trophy of Elegance” which will go to the best customer. How cool is that? So, let’s check out the vehicles themselves.

    Continental R-Type

    Bentley

    This is the R-Type that first brought the Continental name into Bentley’s world back in 1952. The vehicle comes with top speed of 120 mph (216 km/h) and it was the fastest four-seater in the world at the time. And many of the 208 cars were coach built by Mulliner. Now this is what I call exclusive.

    “Blue Train” Bentley

    Bentley

    You might remember the story of this one. This year is tge 85th anniversary of the most famous Bentley Boy adventure: the Blue Train race.

    Back in 1930, Capitain Woolf Barnato, Chairman of Bentley Motors, was staying in Cannes when he accepted a bet that he will not only beat the Calais-Mediterranée Express (the real “Blue Train”) but he will be at his club before the rain even reached the English Channel. Needless to say who won. In fact, the vehicle that was used in the notorious race was the iconic Gurney Nutting two-door fastback coupe. In fact, there is a recent rumor that suggests Barnato used his Mulliner saloon-bodied Speed 6, but what is important here is that the coupe got one of the most famous nicnkames.

    Team Blower

    Bentley

    This is one of the just five vehicles built for racing and it was used by the original Bentley racing team of the late 1920’s. And the ½ Litre Supercharged ‘Team Blower’ is still performing perfectly. Longlivery and perfection in one vehicle. Nice. Furthermore, this year marks 85th anniversary of the Woolf Barnato and Glen Kidson Le Mans victory in 1930. This was not the winning team, but the drivers demonstrated incredible passion and true spirit.

    8 Litre

    Bentley

    Launched in 1930, and only 100 units produced, this extremely luxurious, yet sporty vehicle has a lot to tell about itself. With its top speed of 100 mph (180 km/h) and the incredible components and master craftsmanship this vehicle has numerous drawing parallels with Bentley’s current flagship, the Mulsanne.

    1952 Bentley Continental R Type
    1952 Bentley Continental R Type
    1952 Bentley Continental R Type
    1952 Bentley Continental R Type
    1952 Bentley Continental R Type
    1952 Bentley Continental R Type
    1952 Bentley Continental R Type
    1952 Bentley Continental R Type
    1952 Bentley Continental R Type
    1952 Bentley Continental R Type
    1952 Bentley Continental R Type
    1952 Bentley Continental R Type
    1952 Bentley Continental R Type
    1952 Bentley Continental R Type
    1952 Bentley Continental R Type

    Source: Bentley 

  • 2016 Lincoln MKX Comes With Style And Enhanced Features

    2016 Lincoln MKX2016 Lincoln MKX is on sale this summer and offers numerous additions to the already proven itself MKX lineup. Now, the 2016 version comes with elegant design and smooth and warm driving experience. The all-new Lincoln MKX strengthens brand’s positions in the midsize luxury segment. In fact, Lincoln represents about one-quarter of the retail luxury automotive market in U.S.

    2016 Lincoln MKX and its offerings

    The latest MKX model comes with the advanced 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged Ti-VCT EcoBoost V6, providing a total of 335 hp (246 kW) at 5,500 rpm and 380 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm on premium fuel or the 3.7-liter V6 with a total of 303 hp (222 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 278 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.

    And both engines are paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox with push-button shift and SelectShift system. The front-wheel-drive system is standard, but customers can get and the optional Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive. Sounds good, right?

    2016 Lincoln MKX

    Safety Features

    The vehicle is available with semi-autonomous features like the Pre-Collision Assist, Pedestrian Detection and numerous more. Furthermore, the 2016 MKX is rated with the maximum 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

    There is also a special Auto Hold feature which relieves the driver from having to press the brake pedal constantly to keep the car stationary in traffic. The system releases the brakes when the accelerator pedal is pressed. Handy.

    And the Lincoln Drive Control suite offers extended customization options and optimizes the overall performance of the vehicle with its different controls and options. It also offers three driving modes: normal, sport and comfort.

    So, it looks like Lincoln continues the lovely affair of the MKX lineup with full force. So, what do you think about the vehicle?

    2016 Lincoln MKX

    2016 Lincoln MKX
    2016 Lincoln MKX
    2016 Lincoln MKX
    2016 Lincoln MKX
    2016 Lincoln MKX
    2016 Lincoln MKX
    2016 Lincoln MKX
    2016 Lincoln MKX
    2016 Lincoln MKX

    Source: Lincoln

  • 2016 Hyundai Accent Now Comes More Flexible than Ever

    2016 Hyundai AccordHyundai just released some detailed information for the 2016 Accent model. The vehicle comes with utility, style and performance. All this blended in a sweet and compact car which is attractive and affordable at the same time. And for 2016 Accent comes with some slight changes that include come additional trim-level naming and additional pack upgrades.

    Accent Sedan and Hatchback models are now renamed to SE Sedan and SE Hatchback. In fact, the Hatchback version continues to be offered and with a Sport trim which adds some sporty additions and fine tuned driving dynamics.

    SEE ALSO: Hyundai’s Sub-Brand N Will Demonstrate Some Incredible Models

    And as you may know, since its launch, Accent’s success has focused automotive experts attention and last month, for second year in a row, the vehicle was awarded with the highest honor in the J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Initial Quality StudySM for the small-car segment. Back in 2014, Accent also received “Most Appealing Small Car” in the J.D. Power Automotive Performance. This, in fact, marked the first time a nameplate has ranked so high among non-premim brands in both APEAL and IQS in the same year. Now you know how good the vehicle is.

    Exterior and Interior

    Accent’s exterior style includes some interesting characteristics. The first thing we notice is the wheel design. The 16-inch wheels are now standard feature on Accent Sport Hatchback and are also available on the SE Sedan with Style Package. The front grille, restyled last year, really enhances vehicle’s visuals along with the projector headlight with LED accents. On the rear the vehicle demonstrates stylish taillights and some elegant lines.

    On the other hand, the inside of the vehicle comes with LCD display, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Furthermore customers have the chance to choose among three interior color schemes: Beige, Gray and Black.

    2016 Hyundai Accord

    2016 Hyundai Accent
    2016 Hyundai Accent
    2016 Hyundai Accent
    2016 Hyundai Accent
    2016 Hyundai Accent
    2016 Hyundai Accent
    2016 Hyundai Accent
    2016 Hyundai Accent
    2016 Hyundai Accent
    2016 Hyundai Accent
    2016 Hyundai Accent
    2016 Hyundai Accent
    2016 Hyundai Accent
    2016 Hyundai Accent
    2016 Hyundai Accent

    Source: Hyundai

  • Subaru Announced Details for 2016 BRZ Lineup

    Subaru of America, Inc. today revealed details for the 2016 BRZ Line. Coming with competitive pricing and geared with 200-hp 2.0-liter BOXER powerplant the vehicle will mark a return to the well-known sport design with low weight and with ultra-low center of gravity. Nice, huh?

    The vehicle will be available in Premium or Limited trim and will incorporate features as sport-tuned suspension with front strut brace and TORSEN limited-slip differential.

    And now the interesting part. For 2016 the BRZ lineup will include countless technologies and additions of which some are SUBARU STARLINK 6.2″, Multimedia System with a 6.2-inch single-touch gesture display, AM/FM stereo with HD Radio, Sirius XM Stellite Radio. There are also Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, iPod control, iTunes and countless more. After all, comfort and technological advance is as important as the performance stats, right?

    Furthermore, Limited trim vehicles will come with a special body-color trunk spoiler, fog lights and Alcantara trimmed interior and Keyless Access. The Limited series come with either 6-speed manual BRZ Limited gearbox or 6-speed Electronic Direct-Control automatic transmission with paddle-shift controls.

    Furthermore, the BRZ Limited comes with dual-zone automatic climate control and it includes All-Weather Package as standard feature.

    2016 BRZ models will come to dealers this Fall with starting price at $25,395.

    Source: Subaru

  • Hyundai’s Sub-Brand N Will Demonstrate Some Incredible Models

    Hyundai Motor will demonstrate its high performance sub-brand N at the 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show. This brand is the result of intensive testing, numerous experiments and tons of passion. Now, N comes to demonstrate Hyundai’s successful motorsport experiences and technological advances.

    But N is based on not only Hyundai’s achievements as a main competitor in World Rally Championship (WCR) but also on brand’s dedication to create striking and class-leading high-performance vehicles. N will concentrate everything that Hyundai ever developed: strength, experience and desire for creating new benchmarks. Or at least it is expected to do so. Time will show what will happen.

    And highlighting Hyundai Motor’s passion for performance and engineering excellence, a preview of the latest-generation i20 WRC vehicle will appear on stage during the motor show. This car is expected to demonstrate Hyundai’s performance ambitions.

    Based on the New Generation i20, the rally vehicle is the first prototype that will change the podium in the 2016 WRC. And already going through serious test and experiments, the latest vehicle is bit by bit building up to its final form and gathers more and more strength every single day. And it will debut at the start of 2016 FIA World Rally Championship at Rallye Monte Carlo.

    SEE ALSO: 2016 Hyundai Elantra Has Finally Showed its First Teaser

    Furthermore, a special concept car will show brand’s plans for future performance characteristics. It will also be demonstrated during the Motor Show. The Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo Concept highlights some incredible technology features and special design, truly representing the potential of Hyundai N. With the Concept the brand demonstrates its passion and desire to show us the future of sport cars.

    And in addition, the Hyundai RM15 Concept will be displayed. The high-end vehicle will demonstrate a 2.0-liter 300 hp (220 kW) power output engine and some interesting engineer and technological solutions.

    Source: Hyundai

     

  • Kia Releases First Official Pictures of 2016 Sportage

    2016 Kia SportageKia Motors has revealed the first official exterior images of the fresh Kia Sportage. The vehicle features an attractive design and will make its global debut at the Frankfurt International Motor Show on 15 September 2015.

    The fourth-generation Sportage will come with nice and dynamic design which catches the sporty character and the dynamic performance of the vehicle. And there is something more. The Sportage’s design is influenced by some of the most iconic modern fighter jets and creates harmony out of tension of sharp but elegant lines.

    SEE ALSO:  Thoroughly Revised 2016 Kia Optima Debuts in Frankfurt

    As you can see, the front of the vehicle comes with the biggest changes to the Sportage’s design. Now the headlamps are sweeping back along the outer edges which creates more detailed and aggressive bonnet and bolder look. And along with the headlamps, the grille has also been restyled with tighter-nose looks and more volume to the lower half of the vehicle’s face.

    2016 Kia Sportage

    From the side, the Sportage retains the nice and bold lines, perfectly matched with the roofline that goes slightly to the rear of the car. Now the car has longer front overhangs, shorter rear overhangs and slightly longer wheelbase.Definitely details that make the car look more dynamic and muscular.

    The back of the car also has a lot to demonstrate. Inspired by the 2013 Kia Provo Concept, the elegant combination of elegant lines and shapes really bring that fresh, but still confident appearance.

    Definitely the design of the latest Kia Sportage tells a lot for the car itself. We all hope that in terms of quality and performance, along with comfort this vehicle will meet our expectations.

    2016 Kia Sportage
    2016 Kia Sportage
    2016 Kia Sportage

    Source: Kia

  • 2016 Renault Talisman Estate: Are Two Talismans Enough?

    2016 Renault Talisman EstateRenault has unveiled the Talisman Estate which will stand along the saloon version, revealed on 6 July. The fresh estate vehicle will deliver the same nice technologies and gadgets like the its saloon brother, but will also have some extra load-carrying abilities.

    And while bringing all the benefits of the saloon version, the vehicle also comes with some additions and style upgrades:

    First of all, the Estate offers a total of 572dm3 (VDA) of load space and a maximum load length of 1,116mm. And with the rear seats folded this amount increases up to 2,010mm. Nice, huh?

    And especially designed to offer more space, the vehicle is also restyled in terms of interior space. The Renault Talisman Estate, just like its saloon brother, is a class leader in offering space for passengers. With this said, the vehicle now comes with additional 30mm headroom at the rear and more:

    • Front headroom: 902mm
    • Rear headroom: 886mm
    • Front elbow room: 1,512mm
    • Rear knee room: 262mm

    And with all these sweet measurements, the vehicle also offers some incredible characteristics in terms of comfort. There is up to 10 possible settings for seat adjustment, along with four-way electric lumbar settings. There is also a sweet massage function which can be fine tuned. But this is only a small part of the pack that the vehicle offers as comfort features.

    2016 Renault Talisman Estate

    The Talisman Estate is also available in special Initiale Paris trim which offers even more refinement and comfort, plus Amethyst exterior finish, full-grain Nappa leather upholstery and improved soundproofing. How cool is that?

    And now, for the first time, the Renault Talisman Estate comes with 4Control system to active damping. What is known for the 4Control chassis is that it adds some incredible flexibility and stability on the road. Furthermore, the vehicle is geared with the Multi-Sense technology which allows the driver to personalize his driving experience with four settings: ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’, ‘Neutral’ and ‘Eco’. And there is one additional mode that is fully configurable and it is named ‘Perso’.

    Drivetrain System

    The Renault Talisman Estate offers the same range of engines and choices that the saloon version offers.

    First of all, there are two petrol engines: the Energy TCe150 and the Energy TCe 200, both coming with seven speed dual clutch EDC automatic gearbox.

    SEE ALSO: A Talisman in a Sea of Mediocrity or Mediocrity in a Sea of Talismans?

    And there are also and three diesel units: Energy dCi 110, paired to a six-speed manual or six-speed dual clutch EDC automatic transmission; Energy dCi 130, also available with the same gearbox options; twin turbo Energy dCi 260, offered exclusively with the six-speed dual clutch EDC transmission.

    The Renault Talisman Estate will be offered with four different equipment levels and there will also be a special range-topping Initiale Paris trim.

    The first appearance will be at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show and will go on sale during the first half of 2016.

    2016 Renault Talisman Estate

    2016 Renault Talisman Estate
    2016 Renault Talisman Estate
    2016 Renault Talisman Estate
    2016 Renault Talisman Estate
    2016 Renault Talisman Estate
    2016 Renault Talisman Estate
    2016 Renault Talisman Estate
    2016 Renault Talisman Estate
    2016 Renault Talisman Estate
    2016 Renault Talisman Estate
    2016 Renault Talisman Estate

    Source: Renault

     

  • 2016 Jaguar F-Pace Will Come With Even More Dynamics and Flexibility

    The latest Jaguar F-PACE will be the first ever performance crossover from the well-known British manufacturer and will also include numerous technologies and design concepts to ensure it will defend brand’s prestige. And furthermore, the F-PACE vehicle will be offered with numerous dynamics technology and a sophisticated All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system with torque-on-demand.

    The F-PACE will be manufactured using Jaguar’s Lightweight Aluminum Architecture, which will contribute for more precision and control, but it will not sacrifice comfort and pleasure of driving. The Double Wishbone front suspension will take full advantage of the vehicle’s body structure and will bring that nice responsive rates and will ensure some smooth and comfortable ride.

    F-PACE’s Electronic Power-Assisted Steering system is also expected to remain that cool and to maintain the leadership positions Jaguar has earned so far. Now, for the latest model, the brand has calibrated and improved everything between the steering wheel rim and the tire contact patch. And combined with the Torque Vectoring technology, the F-PACE will deliver some improved agility and flexibility in all weathers and on all surfaces. At least we hope so.

    And to ensure that everything is more than efficient, brand’s engineer team helped itself with a computer-aided engineering (CAE) tools. This will improve the model’s overall performance and will deliver even better simulation results, which can be used for further works.

    So, at the end the vehicle looks nice, new and shiny. Definitely a car that every Jaguar fan should see.

    2016 Jaguar F-PACE
    2016 Jaguar F-PACE
    2016 Jaguar F-PACE

    Source: Jaguar

     

  • Honda Will Encourage Young Engineers At the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show

    2015 Frankfurt Motor Show will be one of the most important events this year for Honda. This is where the brand will present its latest range of restyled and improved vehicles. And along with the vehicles, Honda will also showcase some fresh design concepts and technologies which will all demonstrate brand’s desire for creativity and self improvement.

    The 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show will further witness and the global premiere of “Honda Project2 & 4”. This is a special design competition run and managed by Honda which will inspire and reward creative minds. Taking the idea for ‘creative craftsmanship’, Honda Project 2 & 4 was created by Honda’s motorcycle design centre in Alaska and by Honda’s automobile design centre in Wako, Japan. The project is the result of brand’s effort to create more and more exciting vehicles and driving experience.

    SEE ALSO: 2016 Honda HR-V is What We Have Been Waiting For?

    Furthermore, the 2015 Frankfurt Show will witness the latest HR-V and Jazz models. As you might know, they are arriving in European markets from September onwards and will demonstrate interesting design and of course the well-known class-leading Honda versatility and comfort.

    It looks like Honda is taking all this year’s challenges pretty seriously and will continue to impress with new concepts, ideas and projects. But what will happen in reality, we are about to find out.

    Source: Honda

  • How Green is the 2015 Skoda Superb GreenLine?

    Let’s say it right away. The latest ŠKODA Superb is extremely efficient when it comes to fuel consumption. Especially the GreenLine lineup which will be presented to the public for the first time at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. The vehicles come with really impressive fuel consumption, measured at 3.7 liters per 100 km and CO2 emissions of 95 g/km for the hatchback version. Furthermore, ŠKODA team ensures us that with one fill at the petrol station you can go for more than 1780 kilometers. Interesting, isn’t it?

    The ŠKODA Superb GreenLine 1.6-TDI/119 hp (88 kW) comes with manual gearbox, Start/Stop engine system and brake energy recovery as standard features. Furthermore, owners of GreenLine models will be granted with additional goodies like longer gear ratios and SCR (Selective Catalyctic Reduction).

    But the ‘green’ engine is not the only thing that makes the latest Superb model so appealing. The vehicle also comes with some aerodynamic changes and overall style upgrades. The chassis is with 15 mm lower than the standard Superb model and the vehicle features a tailgate spoiler. And the engineers have done some additional improvements for the drag coefficient: the Superb GreenLine now achieves a total of 0.263 and the Combi GreenLine goes for 0.275.

    ​And the GreenLine version is now offered with ‘Active’, ‘Ambition’ and ‘Style’ subversions. As you know, since 2008, the GreenLine idea has been one of the most important for ŠKODA and its models.

    So, it appears to me that ŠKODA’s path is defined: eco-friendly ideas and numerous changes in order to deliver high quality components and comfort. But will it be that good, we are about to find out.

    Source: ŠKODA

  • Honda Performance Will Make Return on SCORE Baja 1000 Event!

    Honda is planning to make return to its 4-wheel off-road factory racing this November. The well-known manufacturer thinks of doing it the SCORE Baja 1000 desert race with a vehicle powered (obviously) by Honda Performance Development. So, it appears to me as one of the most beloved brands will go back on the road (or off the road?) to remind everyone why is it that good.

    Furthermore, the manufacturer teased some images of the race car today, featuring the twin-turbocharged Honda HR35TT V6 powerplant, Albins ST6 Sequential transmission, Fox racing shocs and rugged General Grabber tires. We know that this is not enough to satisfy the desire to know more about the vehicle, but don’t worry. Honda will release more informantion in the days leading up to the Baja 1000 event, held in November this year.

    SEE ALSO: 2015 Honda BR-V Prototype With a World Premiere at 2015 GAIKINDO Event

    As you know, this return to the SCORE Baja 1000 marks Honda’s first 4-wheel desert race since the HPD Desert Pilot raced in Class 6 back in 2012. And now we all await for further information and details about both the vehicle and race itself. Even though Honda’s returning was in many ways expected, it is always good news to hear that one of the most popular brands has a desire to continue challenging itself and bring innovations and thrilling moments for all the customers and fans.

    Source: Honda 

  • 2015 Honda BR-V Prototype With a World Premiere at 2015 GAIKINDO Event

    Honda BR-V Prototype has officially made a debut at the 2015 GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show. This generation of crossover vehicles features an interesting combination of an SUV appearance and MPV utility. The vehicle is geared with an 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine, paired either with a 6-speed manual transmission or with a continuously variable transmission. And the best news is that the BR-V is planned to be in market in early 2016. So, the wait is almost over. At the World Premiere of the vehicle, personally unveiled byNoriaki Abe, Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operation (Asia and Oceania) of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. at Honda Booth, there were numerous guests, some of which are Kusnade Budiman, President Comissioner of PT Honda Prospect Motor (HPM),  and Tomoki Uchida, President Director of PT Honda Prospect Motor. So, what else does the vehicle offer? Here is a list of promised goodies:

    Exterior

    • High ground clearance
    • Big roof rails for all grades
    • LED connected tail light design in C-character
    • New 16 inch aluminum wheels

    Drivetrain system

    • 4-Cylinder 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine
    • 120 horsepower @ 6,600 rpm and maximum torque of 145 Nm @ 4,600 rpm.
    • New 6-speed Manual Transmission
    • Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) under Honda’s “Earth Dreams Technology”

    Safety Features

    • Dual and Front SRS airbag
    • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
    • Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
    • Hill Start Assist (HSA)
    • Front 3-Point Load Limiters with Pretensioner ELR Seat Belt and ISOFIX

    Source: Honda